Important Reminder: Visitors and Volunteers in Animal Care Facilities

The University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our staff and the animals entrusted to our care.

As outlined by the Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Visitors and Volunteers in Research Laboratories Policy, anyone wishing to bring a visitor (i.e., non U-M employee) into an active research facility on any U-M campus, including Michigan Medicine, must adhere to their department’s approval process.

Visits by non-U-M individuals to any areas where animals may be present (including the vivarium or a laboratory space where procedures with animals may be conducted) should be planned well in advance and approved by the appropriate university entities.

Requests may be submitted in writing to acu-communications@umich.edu. To allow for adequate review, all requests should be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Visitors** must be accompanied by a credentialed U-M employee at all times during the visit and should:

• Obey all safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements,
• Read and adhere to all instructions posted on signage throughout the animal care facility, and
• Remain cognizant of important security considerations (e.g., no “tailgating” through doorways or propping doors).

All visitors will be considered observers – unable to handle animals or perform any research activity using hazardous materials or equipment – UNLESS all requisite approval processes outlined in the Policy on the Classification and Expectations of Personnel Involved with Animal Activities and/or Visitors and Volunteers in Research Laboratories Policy have been completed and appropriately documented.

Finally, if you ever suspect that someone has gained improper access to any area where animals are present, or to the offices of faculty/staff involved in animal care and use, please contact U-M’s Division of Public Safety & Security at (734) 763-1131.